Oberlin resident running for more than just a personal record

CLEVELAND (Feb. 11, 2013) - The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon takes very seriously its commitment to giving back to the community, as evidenced by the more than 30 charity partners already associated with the May 2013 race. One of those partners, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® (TNT), has long been a strong supporter of the race and extremely active on the fundraising front.

On May 19, the 36th edition of the race will feature the inspiring story of TNT member Stori Miller and her partner, Andy Edgar.

A resident of Oberlin, Ohio, Miller takes on the physical challenge of completing endurance events time and time again in honor of Edgar, and his battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). A member of TNT since joining the training program in spring of 2010 to complete the Avia Wildflower Triathlon in California, Miller has logged miles cycling, swimming and running all over Northeast Ohio with fellow TNT participants, captains and coaches who have come together for the mission of saving lives.

"I had only done a sprint triathlon and I was looking for something more challenging," says Miller. "I got a flyer in the mail about Team In Training and learned they had coaches and a training plan that would help me complete my goals while doing it for a good cause."

Miller received five months of training with a supportive group of teammates under the guidance of certified coaches. She attended clinics on nutrition, injury prevention, gear and other essentials to help prepare her for the race. In return, Miller raised money to find new and better therapies for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and support services to help improve patients' lives

It was only a few months after the completion of her first TNT event at Wildflower when Miller met Edgar and her dedication to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission changed forever. "In the fall of 2010 I joined the staff of Lakeridge Academy in Oberlin and it was there I was introduced to Andy," says Miller.

In the summer of 2003 Andy was diagnosed with CLL, a chronic form a blood cancer that as of today is incurable. "I have gone through three regimens of chemotherapy since 2003," says Edgar. "I am currently under close watch. My medical team monitors me monthly to keep a close watch on the level of cancer within my body."

On Jan. 28, 2013, Edgar's doctors found the cancer had elevated, leading to another round of chemotherapy in March.

"Even though none of us knows how long we will live, for me there is extra importance on being thankful for each day," says Edgar. "I'm not afraid to talk about my experience with cancer because I hope that in some small way it may help someone who's battling with something in their own lives."

This year Edgar was selected as the "Honored Hero" for TNT's Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Team. Miller will be participating in the event to support Edgar and all those living with a blood cancer.

"The 2013 Cleveland Marathon is super special and important to me because TNT has not only inspired me to reach my goals but also has provided my family with the hope that we will all be able to enjoy each other for many, many years to come," says Miller, "Completing this event has significant impacts on how we are able to stay positive! We know a cure and better options are on the horizon and watching our 2013 Cleveland TNT team make it happen is more than we could have ever hoped for!"

One of the 50 oldest races in the country, the 2013 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will take place May 18-19. Event details, registration and information on becoming an Official Charity are available at www.clevelandmarathon.com.

About Team in Training For more information on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® (TNT), including sign up dates and event schedules, visit www.teamintraining.org/noh or contact the Northern Ohio Chapter at (216) 264-5694. TNT is currently registering people for the Rite Aid Cleveland Full Marathon, Half and 10K. TNT is the world's first and largest endurance sports training program and has raised over $1.2 billion to help fund blood cancer research and provide services and support to patients and their families since its inception in 1998.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

About the Rite Aid Cleveland MarathonThe Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is in its 36th year of providing a fitness experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities. The event offers a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon - all of which participants can choose to run or walk. More than 350,000 runners have participated, generating more than $18 million annually to benefit the Cleveland community. Visit www.clevelandmarathon.com to learn more about the race. Mission Statement: • To provide a running experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities. • To produce an event that highlights the Cleveland community and provides a positive economic impact for the community. • To give charities an opportunity to benefit financially from the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K events.